Ziaire Williams is looking to make the most of his decision to join his hometown Lakers team and share the court with Luka Doncic.
Ziaire Williams has been fully compelled to go home to Los Angeles and play for the Lakers.
Position
PG, SG
Age
27
Height
203 cm
Weight
104 kg
Birth place
Ljubljana, Slovenia
For the new Lakers wing, the decision to sign with the franchise is a no-brainer, considering the impactful role he will fill and the significant opportunity to play in front of his loved ones.
“I just thought it was a great opportunity,” Williams said, via Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. “Being that big wing, versatile player that they needed, I just thought it was a great opportunity for me to be a Laker. Even if the same team was in New Orleans or Milwaukee, wherever – just the opportunity that was here and the team that they had, I just thought it was the best fit.
“And then just being back home in L.A. is the cherry on top. Being able to play in front of my family and my friends, and I’m super excited.”
Ziaire Williams joins Lakers in a great, budget-friendly deal
Ziaire Williams signed a one-year, $2.85 million veteran’s minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason
Williams hit unrestricted free agency after the Brooklyn Nets declined the $6.25 million team option on his contract, clearing the way for him to sign with Los Angeles.
The 24-year-old played the best season of his young career last 2025-26 season. Averaging a career-best 10.2 points and 1.4 steals, Williams seized a huge season for himself in Brooklyn.
As one of the up-and-coming wings in the league, he is now poised to be a major asset for the Lakers and be a critical complementary piece around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Ziaire Williams excited to finally play alongside Luka Doncic
Ziaire Williams is already fascinated by the possibilities that await Luka Doncic heading to next year.
Doncic previously led the Lakers’ Slovenia minicamp, embracing his new teammates ahead of a new NBA season. And just from the initiatives that were made by the superstar, Williams simply can’t wait to share the court with Doncic.
“I can tell (Doncic’s) leadership. He wants to step up even more this year,” Williams said. “I’m excited, man. I’m really excited to play with him. And of course, when we’re playing basketball, it’s just he makes the game just so easy and looks so simple.
“He’s going to make my life a lot easier for sure.”
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